Public Information Officer

Role Responsibilities

The Program Information Officer (PIO) Officer position is the first line of communication with stakeholders, consulting with and advising applicants on program guidelines, procedures and policy. Reporting directly to the Program Manager this position is integral to the delivery of programs within the grant cycle.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• public relations with stakeholders through phone calls, emails and (developing and facilitating) online webinars from information sessions to technical tutorials;
• research and technical writer for the website and template development for communications with the non-profit sector;
• systems management, reporting, current data, applicant/program/budget status update, website updates/information;
• ministry/department/stakeholder information and correspondence, responsible for reporting and payment schedules;
• database maintenance of the Previous Grant Recipient Database (PGRD), stakeholder contact database;
• policy expertise on the six regular grant streams (and one-time programs when implemented); and
• the unit’s technical application support for the online application system.

These functions are carried out to:

- enhance the flow of eligible and appropriately completed grant applications to the right programs;

- increase public awareness of Community Grants Programs;

- ensure accurate information is disseminated to the non-profit sector in a timely manner (to support the grant management cycle); and

- increase diverse organizations within the non-profit sector applying to the various grant programs.

The PIO has the ability to adjust to changing priorities and be able to effectively manage time and resources to complete assigned duties within identified timelines.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Agility
  • Thinks creatively to identify new ways of approaching communications and interpretation challenges
  • Works with stakeholders to identify multiple approaches, and effectively communicates rationales through interpretive plans
  • Effectively switches from project work with large and varied teams to individual focus on specific tasks (i.e., writing/editing)
  • Effectively organizes workflow to ensure first drafts, final drafts, and ongoing work is appropriately reviewed and finalized
• Creative Problem Solving
  • Is open to new ideas and breaks problems down to identify solutions:
  • Breaks down problems into small parts ü Constructively questions and challenges the norm
  • Open to other’s perspectives and aware of own
  • Contributes ideas for improving processes, and adapts existing practice to address problem
• Build Collaborative Environments
  • Works in an open honest manner with colleagues:
  • Creates sharing opportunities
  • Actively shares, accepts and listens to others
  • Recognizes conflict, respects and discusses opinions openly
  • Supports group even to learn from mistakes
  • Recognizes differing interpretations
• Drive for Results
  • Actively sets goals and remains open to advice on reaching them:
  • Sets goals and prioritizes work
  • Identifies and corrects areas for improvement
  • Suggests actions; asks for advice when lacking information or multiples priorities
  • Operates within APS value system

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field ( i.e. social sciences, humanities, business) or four years related experience is required. Related experience must include:

• Knowledge of the non-profit voluntary sector and legislation, organizational structures and non-profit business models
• Knowledge of (government and external) grant programs and processes
• Experience with project budgets and development of projects and/or initiatives
• Experience with IT systems such as client registration and management system or tracking client dialogue.
• Experience writing for the web to provide information and engage the reader.
• Experience with technical writing to support user manuals for applicants and process manuals for other staff.
• Strong customer service skills, problem solving and analytical skills to support and give directions to stakeholders verbally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and provide a knowledgeable, clear and comprehensive response.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

•  This is one temporary position (2 years)
•  Hours of work: 36.25 hours/week.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.